Hatboro celebrates 53rd annual Holiday Parade

By Kimberly FlandersStaff Writer

Sunday

Nov 24, 2013 at 12:01 AMNov 24, 2013 at 6:30 PM

Hundreds layered up and braved the bitter November air on Sunday to view Hatboro's 53rd annual Holiday Parade.

The weather forecast reported the temperature during the parade at around 30 degrees, with a real feel temperature of 14, but that didn't stop the crowd from lining the sides of York Road to view the parade with its theme of "Candy Cane Cavalcade."

"It's freezing cold this year, and it's not as crowded, which is kind of a bummer," said Lea Stremme of Hatboro.

"But it's just such a great holiday celebration that kind of kicks things off for our family, so we wanted to continue with that regardless of the cold."

Presented by the Greater Hatboro Chamber of Commerce, the parade included more than 100 marching units with approximately 5,000 participants, plus area emergency services groups. For the second consecutive year, the parade ran north to south along York Road, and units gathered at Summit Street and York Road to travel through the borough.

"The Hatboro Holiday Parade has been a valued tradition for more than one-half century in our region, and an exciting way for families and friends to launch the season," said Joseph J. Tryon, Jr., Greater Hatboro Chamber of Commerce president.

"It is the largest celebration in the area and draws participants and spectators from many neighboring communities, as well as the greater Philadelphia area. It is a wonderful way to highlight our hometown business district and enhance community spirit."

Stephen Hughes of Doylestown came to the parade with his family, and said one of his daughters was in the parade. He did not seem to be too deterred by the chill.

"I'm just glad it's not raining. It's supposed to be cold; it's wintertime," he said.

Marching units included colorful floats, high school marching bands, military units, dance groups, youth and scouting groups, community organizations, area dignitaries and public officials.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived in a horse-drawn carriage provided by Bucks County Carriages of New Hope, and the Boy Scouts of America were on scene to collect non-perishable food and personal items along the parade route to donate to Hatboro food pantries.

Mario Rothmund of Yardley said for the past three years, he has been coming to view the parade and invited his friends from Germany this year.

"It gets us in the (holiday) mood, it gets us going. It looks wonderful this year, everybody's in a good mood and bundled up," he said.

Gwen Voegele, a new Hatboro resident, said Sunday was her first time watching the parade.

"We used to live in the city, we never had anything like this. Even with the cold, we only live a few blocks away so we could still come," she said.

"I'm look forward to more parades; maybe he'll be in one in the future," she said with a smile, motioning toward her bundled up infant, Michael.